The authorities of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) have launched 'City Inspector' programme aiming to raise public awareness on cleanliness and hygiene among the residents.
The programme was inaugurated on Wednesday with a six-month pilot project titled 'Porichhhanna Angina' (Clean Premises) in the ward no. 9 of Motijheel area in the capital.
DSCC Administrator Md Abdus Salam inaugurated the programme at Nagar Bhaban under the theme "We change ourselves, Dhaka will change."
He said 20 city corporation inspectors will cover the ward no. 9 divided into 10 zones under the project.
The programme funded by Aachi Bangladesh (American Affordable Community Healthcare Initiative) will continue until 9 December.
Mr Abdus Salam said keeping a city clean is not the sole responsibility of the city corporation, it also requires awareness and active participation from citizens.
"If every house, shop, and institution keeps their premises clean, the entire city will become livable, he said, adding the ward no. 9 would be a model for all other wards if the pilot project becomes successful.
He added that the primary role of the city inspectors will be to raise awareness aiming to build a culture of cleanliness.
Noting the close link between hygiene and public health, the DSCC administrator said the initiative would make a meaningful contribution to residents' wellbeing.
He said greater civic awareness could significantly reduce dengue outbreak, dust and air pollution, and waterlogging.
As part of the DSCC's pilot programme, the corporation's inspectors would visit houses, shops, and institutions to distribute awareness leaflets, identify potential Aedes mosquito breeding grounds, and offer guidance.
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com
